Wedding bells on the horizon? If your savings can’t cover the entire cost, we explore whether a loan is a good option for you. If you’re looking into tying the knot, you won’t be surprised to find that weddings can be incredibly expensive. In fact, the average wedding now stands at around £30,000. While you can find ways to cut down the cost of a wedding, many couples have their heart set on their perfect day – which can be tricky to afford with savings alone.   Can I use a loan for my wedding? Yes, you can use a loan to pay for a wedding. There isn’t one specific type of loan which ..read more

If you’re thinking about a guarantor loan, your credit score might have suffered a few knocks in the past. But how will a guarantor loan affect your credit future? Guarantor loans are often a handy alternative for people who may be refused finance elsewhere. The extra safety net of a guarantor can mean you’re more likely to be accepted, as lenders are more confident they’ll receive their repayments. If you’ve been refused finance from mainstream lenders, it’s likely that your credit score isn’t in perfect shape. Can a guarantor loan turn your situation around?   How will a ..read more

Your credit score is a fragile thing. Each month, you might notice your score shoot up or down, even if you’ve not done anything that feels out of the ordinary. We reveal 5 unexpected things which could damage your credit score – and what you can do to avoid them.    1) Not spending at all You might be surprised to know that not spending with your credit card can hurt your credit score. That’s because lenders like to see both responsible and regular debt management. If you’ve only used your credit card for a one-off purchase, lenders won’t be able to see a consistent patter ..read more

As more and more of us bank online, it’s important to be aware of potential scams. We’ve highlighted the tell-tale signs you need to look out for to help you stay safe.   An email notification pops up. At first glance, it’s your bank getting in touch about your account. But should you always trust what’s in your inbox? Avoid falling victim to a scam and ask yourself these key questions:   1) Are you being asked to do something? Your bank will never ask you to move your money to a different account. This is a common trick that scammers use to steal your money. They might claim that yo ..read more

  Whether you’re hoping to get fit or add a little exercise to your routine, the gym seems like a good place to start. But with the average gym membership costing around £40 each month, it can be a drain on your finances. Here’s how you can keep fit with a slim budget:   1) Couch to 5K Are you a complete stranger to jogging? Couch to 5K is an app that’s ideal for beginners who want to get fit and start running. The idea of running an entire 5K can seem daunting if you’ve only ever ran for the bus. That’s why the NHS-backed app slowly encourages you to build up your stamina ..read more

Saving money can often feel like an uphill battle. And once you’ve reached your target, it can be all too easy to splash what you’ve saved and return to square one. But saving money doesn’t need to feel like hard work. In fact, there are ways you can put money aside without even thinking about it. Here’s how:   1) Pay yourself first Paying yourself first means shifting money to a savings account as soon as you get paid – before you pay any other bills. Setting aside money at the start of the month can help you save more, as you can put away what you might have otherwise splurged by the en ..read more

New to the world of cashback? Don’t be daunted. From supermarket shopping to fashion finds, we’ve found the best cashback sites to help you earn while you spend.   How do cashback sites work? It’s actually pretty simple. Cashback sites are essentially third-party sites that pay you for shopping with selected stores. By clicking through their site before you buy, they’ll receive commission from the store. And as a thank you, they’ll pay you a portion of their cut. The reward usually appears in your cashback account within a few days. This is typicall ..read more

If you act fast, you can remove a CCJ from your credit file. Follow our step-by-step guide to see how you can undo the damage caused by County Court Judgment.   What is a CCJ? If a company is chasing you for outstanding payments, they could send you a letter summoning you to court. At court, the judge will look at your budget and decide on the best course of action. You could either be asked to repay the amount in affordable chunks or repay the entire sum at once. This is a County Court Judgement (CCJ). A CCJ will appear on your credit report for around six years. This could make bor ..read more

For many people, an IVA can be a good way to repay unaffordable debts and avoid bankruptcy. But when it comes to borrowing more money, an IVA could stand in your way. Before we get to grips with your borrowing options, we’ll take a look at exactly how what an IVA is – and how it can affect you.   Breathing space when you need it So what is an IVA? Well, it stands for Individual Voluntary Arrangement, and it’s a way of writing off unaffordable debts. Instead of declaring bankruptcy, you’ll agree to make manageable monthly payments to your creditors – usually over five to six years. The amo ..read more

If your friend is in a sticky spot, helping them out could seem like the right thing to do. But before you agree to hand over any money, there are several things you should consider.   Is lending money to friends ever a good idea? No matter how much money you’re lending, a loan between friends could spell trouble. Without protecting yourself properly, you could lose out on both your cash and your friendship. However, if you take some necessary precautions, it could be a cost-effective way to help your friend in need.   Lending money to friends: the do’s Agree on the loan terms Just like you wo ..read more